Heatwave fatalities? Ambos' warn of heat stress danger

Owen Jacques is an award-winning investigative journalist from Mackay, now based on the Sunshine Coast as APN Australian Regional Media’s Online News Editor. He has a strong background reporting on politics, business and breaking news. Owen has also specialised in resources reporting, which included a successful campaign to fight 100% fly-in, fly-out mining in rural Queensland towns.

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But he hoped most people would take care of themselves and each other.

"Make sure you keep yourselves cool.

"And if you get into strife and someone does collapse and getsreally unwell, by all means call 000 and we'll be on our way."

How hot will it be where you are?

Brisbane 36

Bundaberg 33

Caloundra 35

Caboolture 36

Gatton 41

Gladstone 33

Gympie 38

Hervey Bay 31

Ipswich 41

Kingaroy 39

Mackay 33

Maleny 35

Maroochydore 34

Maryborough 35

Nambour 39

Rockhampton 38

Roma 42

Toowoomba 37

Warwick 39

Heatwave warning: Ambulance, hospitals on high alert

AS QUEENSLANDERS prepare to endure stiflingly hot weather, hospitals and ambulances have been put on high alert as they brace for trauma caused by the heat.

Southern Queensland is expected to be scorched from tomorrow until the end of the weekend with Ipswich tipped to hit 41, Warwick, 39 and Nambour to reach 39.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting temperatures could be as high as 10°C above the December averages.

The high alert is being led by Queensland Health, which is coordinating a response for all areas bracing for the looming heatwave.

Queensland Health disaster medicine expert Dr Peter Aitken told the Courier-Mail the heatwave was being treated akin to a pandemic or flood.

"We're using exactly the same processes that we would normally use to ensure our hospital and health services are prepared, whether it's for a heatwave, a cyclone that's coming, a flood or a pandemic event," he said.

Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service are being sought for further comment.

The Australian Medical Association Queensland has also released tips to stay safe:

Drink plenty of water - even if you do not feel thirsty. Judge fluid intake adequacy by how often you go to the toilet - it should be many times a day!

Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned or cool environments.

Keep cool by using wet towels, taking cool showers or going for a swim.